LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 



(I?|nit.f^^ajn|n#:]|u 

Slielf..C.q.':[-_ 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 




LIFE 



AD^VENTPHE 



JOSEPH W. COOPER 




AJIOXG THE 



North Americau Indians 




Kntered acconliiiK to Act of (;oiigi( ss in the vear 1879, by Joseph W. Cooper, in tlie Cleric's 
OtUce of the District ( oiirt of tlic United States for tlie Southern District of Georgia. 



Life and xIdyentires 



josKjrif w. coo J' En c^.^^ 
11 



AMOATtTHE NOKTH AMERICAiX IXDIAXS 



AXI) KI,Si;\VHi:i!K. 






-J£ 



PREFACE 



Having spent four years upon tlic Westcni plains ainon,u; the North 
American Indians, often uiinglinj:; with tiie peaceable tribes, as a friendly 
'• White Face," and oftener still, in the ranks of the United States army, 
meeting- the hostiles as deadl}- foes, tlie oppoitunities of th" writer for 
becoming familiar with th(> habits and instinctive traits of tliis peculiar 
and unfortunate race of people have been ample to possess him of facts 
and data sufficient to make a mucli moi'i' extensive and pretentious book 
than shall now be attempted. 

This being the author's nniiden ettbrt in literatun'. he will not prr- 
sume to claim any special merit for it, save that it in based tntirtly 
upon facts. As the contents of the book are made up solely of the ob- 
servations and adventures of the writer, he must necessarily keep /rm- 
.veZ/' constantly before the reader, and for that reason will here take oc- 
casion to offer all apologies that may be needed, for making himself at 
any time appear as the hero of his own story. 

The auther will not say that this little book is pubiislied to supply "a 
long-felt want" of his country. He Iims a better apology than that for 
this intrusion upon the public. During the latter part of last year (1878) 
he wrote for the Albay^y Advertiser a series of reminiscences of his 
sojourn among the Indians, embracing a few pei'sonal adventures, which 
seemed to be read with general interest, and meet with favorable com- 
ment. The numerous requests that have reached the writer since these 
publications have induced him to contribute the following pages to the 
literature of the day, with the hope of thereby earning for himself a few 
honest pennies. 



I^IFK AND AdVKNTUKES OF .JosKJMF W. CoOPKK. 



('HAl'TKI! I. 

HK KAIil.V VEAHS of THK WHITKK HIS A H VKN TUIIKS IN 'IHE GEOHGIA 

Mir.ITIA. 

EFORE proceedinji to narrate his observations and adventures 
during that period of his life sp<^nt among- the Indians, com- 
tnenoing with the eighleentli year of his life, it would perhaps not be 
out of place for the writer to give a hrief sketch of his early j^ears. 

1 was born in Twiggs County, (in., in 1848 ; but the days of mj^ early 
boyhood weic spent principally in Dooly Count}', where my grandpar- 
ents still reside. My mother died in 1856, leaving myself, two broth<>rs 
and one sister, all of us V)(>ing yet quite small. My father was unable to 
educate his children, but did the best he could under the circumstances. 
1 never knew my father to use profane or obscene language, nor did f 
ever see him intoxicated, but always sober and quiet, ready to give his 
fhildren good advice, and to teach them lesson.s of virtue. 

In 1S58 my father married a second time, and moved to Dougheity 
county, (Ja., where he remained until the breaking out of the wai- be- 
tween the Stat<^s. On March 11, 1862, he and my eldest brother joined 
the Dougherty < rreys, of Albany, sending my step- mother to live with her 
father in Terrell County, and leaving m<' behind with a good old farmer 
in the county of Worth, instructing him to keep me under control. 1 
rcniaiui'd here for some time, when ni}^ kind old guardian advised me to 
go Id my giaii(Uather"s and there go to school. 1 was ready enough to 
oV)<>y, for till' ^ake of a change : but by this time I must confess that 1 
had forgotten the teachings of my parents, and had become very reck- 
less and wild. It took me but a few days to grow restless and dissatis- 
fied under tlw pious control ot my grandparents, and I resolved to run 
away. Rising early one morning l)efore ilay, in December, 1863, I fled 
to Worth ('ounty again, making a distance of forty-seven miles in about 
twelve hours. 1 was now <.ai<-ily fifteen years of age, aiid quite small. 



6 LIFE AND ADVENTURES 0_F 

but was resolved upon making my way into the Confederate Army. In 
this, however, I was unsuccessful until Governor Brown made his call 
for all the boys to rally at Atlanta, in 1864-. 

My weight was only ninety-six pounds, and m}^ friends all told me 
that T was too small to carry a musket and knapsack with a good da3''s 
rations. But I was bound to be a soldier, so I joined the militia, and was 
sent to Macon just in time to meet General Stoneman. 

Crossing the river and fighting those Yankees in that old corn field 
was not so fascinating as I had anticipated. The bomb-shells and minnie 
balls fairly rained around that old house, and I tell you if it were possi- 
ble that you could have seen our company commander and myself dodg- 
ing behind that old gate post, you would have enjoyed the scene. It 
was laughable, no doubt. It was "nip" and "tuck" with us, but "nip" 
being the best man, he takes the post, and I "tuck" to my heels, and into 
the river swamp I went. I had not been there long before both armies 
ceased firing, and everything had become very quiet. By this time J 
had made up my mind that I ^vas a man, and would go to the front 
and fight like a soldier. After I came out of the sw'amp I found that 
the boys had the Yankees in a line. I came like a Avheel-horse, the 
bravest man on the field. Fortunately for us, no one noticed my brave 
commander emerging from behind the friendly gate post, or myself 
from the cooling shades of the swamp. Neither of us thought it neces- 
sary to say anything about it. I was praised by all the boys for being 
the bravest soldier on the field, and after going into camp was crowned 
with a bran-new "Joe Brown Cap." And it was well that I was, for I 
had lost my wool hat, which was my greatest distinction — running 
through the swamp. 

That night an extra guard was required to guard General Stoneman 
and his men. Our orderly sergeant, in making out his detail, ordered 
the men to fall into line, and, cutting off about half of the company, 
marched them to the prison to mount guard for the night. I was not at 
that time a member of this guard. I had never stood guard, but thought 
it a fine thing to be a soldier and on post. I could not waif for my turn; 
so I picked up my gun and started out in double-quick after the squad. 
I asked permission to take some one's place, which request was readily 
granted. I relieved an old man by the name of Baxley, who was quite 
aged and infirm. There were two happy hearts — the old gentleman 
happy to get off, and I happy to get on guard. After mounting guard I 
was on the third relief, post number 9. I heard much talk, after the first 



JOSEPH W. COOPER ' 7 

rolief, about the countersign, and made many inquiries concerning it, but 
no one would give me any information, except that great responsibility 
would rest on me. About 12 o'clock my relief was called, and I this 
time relieved a man who belonged to a South Carolina regiment. He 
gave me my instructions, and the last words he said to me was, " ' Sher- 
man ' is the countersign." I was bewildered; I knew not what it meant. 

In about half an hour I heard the footsteps of some one approaching. 
I called out, "Halt ! Who comes there?" 

"Grand Rounds," was the answer. 

"Who in the devil is that?" was my astonisshed reply. "Advanc*;, 
Grand Rounds, and give up that countersign, or I will put a light hole 
through you in a minute; you dirty villain ; you tried to steal that from 
me, but I am sharp enough for you, you dirty dog." 

He advanced, and who should it be but the officer of the day. 1 de- 
manded the countersign. He steps up and says: 

" Sherman." 

"Stand back, sir ; that will not do," I answered. "Out with that coun- 
tersign, or 1 shall be compelled to kill you." 

He gave back fearfully frightened, and after a little reflection on 
my part, I concluded I had played the devil, but swore by the heavens 
and earth that he could not leave without forking over that countersign. 
A full hour and a-half I kept him there, when my relief came. I ad- 
vanced the corporal of the guard, and v\'as relieved. This officer asked 
what that man's name was. 

"Sir, my name is Cooper ; what in the devil is your name?" I replied. 

"My name is ," said he. 

"You have told me a lie. You said your name was Grand Rounds." 

"Yes, but I told you that the countersign was ' Sherman '." 

■*I dispute that, and you had l^etter not contradict my word. You said 
that the countersign was "Sheridan"; that is what you said, you old swin- 
dle; you butter knife officers can't fool me ; I have been in the war longer 
than you have any idea."' 

The officer turned away and vemai-ked that he had come in contact 
with one of the hardest cases that he ever met from the wire-grass coun- 
try. That made me mad, but I agreed to let him alone if he would me. 

The next morning we were not relieved from guard, as was customary, 
and had had nothing to eat from early afternoon of the day previous. 
By this time I had come to tlie conclusion that I had done a bad piece 



8 ' LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

of business by taking that old mans place, and the fact of the bill is, I 
was ready to swear never to do the like again. 

Niglit came, and still no rations, and no relief. By this time J had 
commenced abusing old Hacksley to myself. He was in camp with 
plenty to eat, and I here in his place on duty, and not one thing do I 
get. At 12 o'clock ] was called again. 

"Here I am. No. 9, two nights. No sleep and no rations. May the 
devil take old Backsley.' 

T went to sleep on my post, and dropped my gun, and also my ",Ioe 
Brown Cap '" — the latter I finally lost — but awoke in time to get my gui\ 
before the guard came around. 1 got on my feet and walked with all 
my miglit, and every step 1 niad(> 1 swore vengeance against old Bax- 
ley. 

The next morning we were ordered to Atlanta. Upon our arrival ther<' 
we consolidated with ('aptain Ford's company. We militia now hail a 
different leader, and one that was brave, noble and true. There was no 
dodging in his case. 

My first picket duty was vcrv ixciting to me. 1 was placed on vidette 
in front of the picket line, a distance of about three hundred yards. 
While on post I became^ very thir.sty, and, a China cane patch being near 
l)y, into it T w^ent, leaning my gun against the fence, and helping myself, 
not thinking of danger. A squad of Yankees fired on me. I jumped 
the fence with the speed of a wild deer of th<' forest, running full one 
hundred yards before thinking of my gun. I turned and went back, 
reaching my gun, when another volley came, without giving the alarm. 
This last volley hail a most confusing effect upon my nerves, and with- 
out losing a second's time in calculation as to direction, 1 struck out at 
the rate of forty knots an hour, bound for Atlanta. 

After the fall of Atlanta we retreated to Griffin, (in., and there dis- 
banded by order of Gov.. Joe Brown, when I came Mome perfectly satisfied 
with the war, and still better satisfied that there was no frolic connected 
with the matter. 1 afterwards joined Captain Hobbs' company, 51st 
Georgia Regiment. Company K, and after the war went to Pittsburg. 
Pa. 

Here I played my first game of cards. In South Pittsburg, on Carson 
street, there stood a three-.story brick building, and in the third story 
of this building my oldest brother, myself and three others roomed. 
My roommates, as well as myself, were extremely fast, and I was in- 



JOSEPH W. COOPER. 9 

tliUM-il to tako fl hanil willi tli<Mu. aii<! l.'ain tu h,- a card jila.vcr and a sport- 
iiij;- man. 

I know not one cai-d from another. I took a hand, liowever. and the 
game had not progrt-sscd very far Ijefore one of the boys ,2,ot to stealing:, 
and I caught him at it. and r(>proved him for such conduct, aft<r iusistinjr 
that he and others should teach me how to pla}' cards. 

A quarrel arose, when one of the boys threatened to slap my jaws. 1 
t(uickly picked up a cane-bottomed chair, letting it ilv over liis head, 
breaking it into several pieces. I?y tUis time others spoke in his favor. 
1 gathered my pistol, aiul swore that I would shoot everyone in the 
toom. 

All made a rush to go down stairs, and my brother with them. 1 sent 
two chairs after them. 1 was then in possession of my room. After 
Thinking the matter over to myself, I decided that if gamblers were 
that easily defeated 1 could make it profltable by learning how to play 
the game, and "go West;" that T would soon be able to compete witli 
■ California Jack," "Hugh Hicks'' and "Buffiilo Rill." 'I'hat nights 
'Volic led me finally astray, as you will see in a su>)se(|uent chapter. 



CHAl'TKU II. 

KNI.ISIKIJ IN lUr, 1. S. AK.MV i>Fl- K<l!; IHK WESTKltN I'l.AlNS Sf I'TKi;- 

lN(i FKO.M THIKSr .\ SLIKKT THollil.K WITH THl': INI.1A\> WHKII 

KNOS IN AN KN,IoYABI,K HIFl'WI.d HUNT. 

Having firmly resolved to go West, 1 Joined the rnite<l States troops 
at Pittsburg, and was sent to Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, and thence to 
I'ort Rice, Dakota Territoty. as a foe of the pesty Indians. 

After arriving at Fort Kice, I was senc with a detachment rind<"r com- 
mand of Lieutenant O'Toole, to l^evils Lake. We were all nKunited on 
;iOod horses, and Avell equipp<'d. I shall never forget that triji. We 
were twenty-six days on the expedition, and never found enmigli 
timber to build a tire until we came to James River: that wa- the lir-t 
and the last, and but very little there. After leaving the river we were 
three days without water. It was in July, 1860, and the weath(M- was 
extremely hot. We found many great lakes of water, but our physician 
would not allow us to use any of it, as he pronounced it a deadly poison. 

We had almost mmle up our mind> that wp would be compidled t<> 



10 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

suiTender to thirst on the plains, but onward we went, still thinking tha 
water was near by; and at last we came to a flat place of black, sleel 
mud, where there w^ere animals and fowls of all descriptions that an 
given to that climate. It was no difficult matter to place your hand; 
on the wolf, antelop:, elk and many fowls, &iS they were all in a starv 
ing condition, standing in this place sipping down this sleek mud. 

With pick and shovel, we put in with all our energy to dig a well 
which we completed that night. At a distance of about nine feet w( 
found water in plenty ; but it was so strongly impregnated with alkal 
that we had to boil it and then make it into coffee before drinking. W( 
remained here two days, using the buffalo ''chip" to make our fires, then 
being no timber near. Every frontiersman has been glad enough t( 
uKike use of the buffalo "chip," in dry weather, but, when it rains, am 
this is his onl}' dependence for a fire, he knows he must suffer. 

We arrived at Devil's Lake to find it a most beautiful place. It hat 
a smooth, white sandy bottom, an abundance of fish, and strong sulphu: 
water ; so strong, indeed, as to form solid pebbles of pure sulphur, fron 
the size of a buck-shot to that of a common marble, all along the water'; 
edge. 

We only remained here a few days, and on our way back, aftei 
passing over the Dakota Mountain, we were halted by four Indians, wht 
belonged to "Two Bear's" tribe, and were sent by that worthy him 
self with information that they had lost a man, and for us not to move anj 
further until an investigation was made. There was no doubt about th< 
Indian being killed, although we were innocent of the crime. After i 
brief consultation over the matter, we asked the privilege of moving 
about a mile further, which was granted us. We camped on top of ; 
little hill, which was covered with rocks of all sizes. We built a litth 
fort, 20x20, and about 4 feet high. It was a well-constructed fortifica- 
tion. That night Lieut. O'Tool, asked for volunteers to carry a dispatch 
to Fort Rice, a distance of eighty miles. Burns, Kerburgand myself, anc 
Larnard, our guide, volunteered to carry it through. At day break w( 
started, and when the sun was sinking behind the western hills w( 
landed at Fort Rice, eighty miles heat. Delivering our dispatch am 
telling our story to the General, he did not seem to sympathize with us 
in the least, but ordered us to leave the Fort, and to go back to our com- 
mand the next morning with a verbal instruction to Lieut. O'Toole, tc 
fight his way through. We went through safely the next day, and thai 
night foxmd all the boys in a bushel of trouble, as "Two Bears" anc 



JOSEPH W. COOPER. It 

his men were insight with .nbout sixteen hurdrod men. "'I'wo B<'ars'' is 
a friendly Indian, and known as the chief of the Sioux nation. The next 
night some of the boj's were on their knees crawling about, and made 
some little noise, which caused general alarm. One man jumped up 
with gun in hand, so badly frightened that he discharged the piece 
shooting himself through the hand. Our rations were all out, and we 
could not go out to kill anj' game. Rather an awkward position. 
The next day Two Bears relieved us of our troubles, however. He and 
his men came to our little fort, and told us that they had made every 
investigation that was necessary on this case, and had been able to dis- 
cover the murderer, and asked to be pardoned for detaining us on our 
peaceable journey. He also invited us to join in a buffalo hunt, which 
invitation we accepted. We enjoj^ed this, our first buffalo hunt, very 
much, killing a number of buffalo, the squaws skinning and cleaning, 
and the children getting down on their knees and drinking the hot blood 
out of the carcasses of these animals. The next day we went on our way 
rejoicing. After two day's march we reached the Missouri, opposite the 
Fort, our journey's end. 



CHAPTER 111. 

THE AUTHOR PrOES OX A HUCKI.EBEKBY EXPEDITION, AM> IS PIRSUEP 1)V 
RED DEVILS. 

I was detailed as a herder to guard beef cattle at this military post. 
While so engaged another man and mj'self came to the conclusion that 
wo would go to the Black Hills. At the foot of this mountain were signs 
of a volcano ; the lava was ejected in great piles from fourteen to twenty 
feet high, and at other places near b}- were deep sinks. The surface 
of the ground was a white, hard, crusty sand from two to three inches 
thick ; beneath this was a soft sleek mud, and it was very dangerous for 
travelers to pass this point. On the hillside of this mountain it was very 
rough and uneven. Its verdure consisted entirely of huckleberry 
bushes, full of berries, and the finest that I ever saw. After eating until 
my appetite was thoroughl}- satisfied, I then gathered my bosom full. 
I had at least a half bushel in my bosom. I then proceeded to the top 
of the hill, very much exhausted from the fatigue occasioned by the 
gathering of the berries. I seated myself upon a rock, which was a vcr}' 



12 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

r(.uifor(ii1)lr visliii- ]»lavc. cikin.L; :i iiciifrul \\i-\\ oti cv.ry side fVoin (liut 
l>ninl. 

I <l.ci<li(l that (herr uas u<>( iinodicr siicli plaiv to Ur found in the 
Nortliwest : it was a j;- rand tliinj:' tn sec Si'iitcil on this rock, i iniasi- 
inoil niysolf as hapjiy as the niajrpic that was sin.-^in.t: around nic 
Kyi'ing this liii-d skip])ing troni rock to rock jravc nn^ a now sjiirit. 
At last it took its flijrht. nnti, turning;- ijuickly to set- tjio hist of its 
lilossy win<;s, what should 1 see hut f>iglit Indians, all naked, and painted 
in th:' most (dofrant warfare style. v\s .soon as they discovennl that I 
had seen them, they laised /he war-whooj* and came rushing after me 
like so many hlood-hounds. 1 leaped from my resting place down the 
hill like the l)oy that jumps in the water h(\-Kl forcMnost. At times I 

w.)uld he rolHiig like a loi;-. then again it wordd 1 nd for end. and so 

on, uidil I reaele'd the hottom. These red devils, or, the brink of this 
hill, hollering at im-. no doubt had a.s much sport over nf as the child 
wo\i!d nvei- toy ■ snple-jack.'" (letting upon my feet again. I 
nionntiil my luM'se, put s]>urs- and otl" I went, my partner about half a 
ndle ahead." 

I had not g.uii' Very far wlirn my horx- gave way through this sandy 
crust, and doun he went, bogged up to his belly. Off f go, skinning 
my face and kmes very badly. I'.ut inidei- the excitenu'ut, rising withoiit 
gi-unling, I look to my heels and lan for life, nniking a distance of aboul: 
four miles befoi-e di^co\ luiug that I was not ])ursued by tliose blood- 
thirst\ devils. The leather was warm, and fiom fatigue I was ahnostex- 
hau.-ted ; my (dothes ix'came uncomfortable, and with a slight investi- 
gation, i found that m}- half bushel of hnckle-berries were yet within 
my bosom, all mashed into a mush. Still in a lialf run, I pulled nn' sliirt 
from beneath the waist band of my j)ants, and out they came, the worst 
looking sight you ever saw. I'Vom that day until this I liave never 
visited the top of that mountain, and (io<l forbid that I o\,'y shall again. 



CHAI'TKR IV. 

WITH AS' ol.h Tl;.\ l'l'l<:i! oN 'I'ltK l''Ko.V'l'IKH \VOI.\'l-;s I'HOVK 'I'o BI-; TOi 

KoNI> oK ASSAVlKTIOA. 

l! s.eiii^ ;is if I am a vi.-tim of mislortuni' ami accidents. Here 1 an 
prompted by an old trapper who furnish. ^s nu' with a s]»lendid horse an. 



JOSEPH W. COOPER. IS 

n sixti'i'ii shooter, iiiid ;i handful of assafcetichi. Ulf I iiallopod for ;i 
jdaci' wlicro I had tlic day before killed a buffalo and aj)pliod strychnin'' 
to it for the purpose of poisoning wolves. The assaftetida. which, in tlw 
ah.scencc of a more convenient place, wa.s deposited in my hoot leg. wa-- 
intonded to draw the wolves to nie. It acted like a charm, for 1 Iku! 
not been in position long b(>fore the blood-thirsty animals comniencei; 
1o approach me, snapping and howling as the}^ came. I opened fire, ami 
1'iira while the slaughter w^as equal to the emergency. Soon, however. 
(hi y came faster than I could shoot, and were as thicn around me m< 
bees about the hive in .May. The situation increased in interi'St 
witli every moment, and now 1 began to realize that i had engaged tin' 
attention of more wolves than I could manage. Directly my horse )>e- 
eanie very much excited, pawing, snorting and turning in every direc- 
tion. Looking hack, T found that two wolves were swiiiging to his tail. 
Witli a loud yell I stuck spurs to my willing steed, and off we w^ent at 
full speed, the wolves following at our heels. Whooping and holler- 
ing at every Jump for help, I finally got near enough to camp to b.' 
iieard by mj' comrades, when some twenty^ or more of them came to my 
v'lief. Had 1 on<> mile further to have gone, mj^self, horse, boots, assa- 
fo'tida and all would liave Ikmmi devoured by these blood-thirsty wolves. 

After going into my Inil I became conscious of the fact that there Avas 
something peculiarly unpleasant about the odor of assafa^tida, and that 
tile only way to get rid of the constant reminder of my wolf expediton 
would be to get rid of my boots. My hoots, socks and all, were th(M"e- 
fore committed to the fire, and during the balance of my stay upon the 
frontier I neves had anything more to do with assafoetida, and it is need- 

-< to <av that I nenr will auain. i-speeiallv in a wolf conntrv. 



(;haptki{ V 



Id CANNuX DAl.l. IIIVH; lii;<'oVKl) INL'o A TYl'IKANb NEAlilA' DESTHOyKD 

A HACK FOR LIFE. 

lleic 1 go smiling into another trap. Off to (.Gannon Ball lliver, a dis- 
tance of nine milrs fr the lM)rt, to s<'e the "Tetonca S<|\iaws"'. Th« 

ground was totally covered with snow, tlie ravines and valleys alijiost 
tilled; the watercourses all fro/tii. and the ground froz-'U from two to 
flnve fe<-t deep, 



14 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

After going to their camp, the first place I came to was a fine typie. 
painted in the most elegant style. The moon shone out in all its re- 
splendent glory, making the night almost as bright as day. I was de- 
coyed into this fancy typie where I found three squaws, all friendly 
disposed. Taking a seat on their buffalo robe, which was in a circle 
around the little fire within, they soon commenced to tell me their trials 
in life, ups and downs in the Minnesota massacre, etc. After telling 
many little stories, one suggested that they should show me the way 
they tjeated the whites in Minnesota. Thinking they were in fun, 
I readily agreed. They told me to cross my hands, and without 
any hesitation on my part, I promptly obeyed. They tied me hard and 
fast, with a rawhide, to the center pole, and then commenced going- 
through my pockets, taking my pistols, my knife and cap. By this time 
I was not satisfied with their proceedings as a joke. They had com- 
menced talking in a very different language. I then knew nothing. 1 
tried to laugh to .make them believe that I had the utmost confidence in 
them, but my feigned smiles all turned to dry grins. One was look- 
ing up their horse whips, whilst the other two were pulling off my 
boots and making every preparation to take off my clothes. But, as luck 
would have it, Indian Joe, who was raised at the Fort, and could speak En- 
glish, had heard the noise, and knew my voice. He hallooed and told 
me to leave ; I answered him that I was tied and could not leave, 
whereupon he rushed into the typie, with knife in hand, and after 
some scuffling, cut me loose, telling me to leave. 1 was only glad of 
the chance to get away, and as I went out the doorway I received 
a keen stroke across my hips with one of those whips, which 
made me almost believe that I was cut in two. I was on foot, but 
needed no spurring from there to the Fort, with from eight hvindred to 
a thousand bucks and squaws, all ages and .sizes, whooping and yelling: 
"Away with the white man!" and many on my pursuit. But I made time 
like a train behind schedule time, now and then running into high drifts 
of snow, and kicking and scuffling until I could get out, with only one 
boot on, and bareheaded. I halted for nothing, but in every way pos- 
ible, made the best time I could to effect my escape. As cold as it was, 
my blood was warm enough. 

After reaching the fort there was but one place at 1\'hich I could enter 
without being discovered, and that was a hole under the entrance 
gate, and that a very small place. The ground was frozen very hard 
and deep. I got on my knees and elbows, and then down on my stem- 



, JOSEPH W. COOPER 15 

acl), and commenced crawling tlirongh. I got my head and should- 
• rs through, and no further could I get ; neither could I get back. 
There I was, like the pig fastened in the crack of a fence, not calculated 
to do ain^thing for myself. My brother was a non-commissioned officer 
at this [)ost, and, as luck would have it for me, he was on duty that night. 
After scutHing under this gate for full one hour, along came my brother. 
Not knowing who he was at that time, I called to him for assistance. 
He demanded my name. We at once recognized each other, and in a 
hurried way I related to him my story. He sat down on the ground and 
bractnl his feet against the great gate, then catching me by the sho'ilders 
(he being a powerful man) he straightened himself out and brought me 
through. I imagined I heard the bones breaking, but it was only the 
flesh. Going into my quarters and undressing, and finding so many 
bruises on my legs and arms, back and hips, I decided that I looked as 
badly weather-beaten as the old War- horse of Wheeler's cavalry during 
the late Confederate war. 



CHAPTER VI. 

THE TRAITS AND HABITS OF THE NORTH AMERICAN INDIANS. 

As a good many of my readers have doubtless read such books as 
"Leather Stocking," ascribing generosity, honesty, gallantry and other 
noble virtues to the "poor Indian,"' I had as well say in the beginning of 
this chapters that such readers will perhaps be disappointed in my views 
upon the traits of the Red Skins, as seen by me during my stay of several 
years among them in Dakota and Montana Territories. Whilst I am free 
to confess that after a thorough acquaintance with this peculiar race of 
people, ni}' estimate of their virtues falls far short of what I liave read in 
dime novels, and even in some of the standard historic works of the day, 
still I must say that I have found in them many traits to be admired. — 
What I shall say of them will be based upon observation — not hearsay 
— and I shall endeavor to give them credit for all they deserve. 

In Dakota and Montana Territories we find the following tribes: The 
Yanktonais, between Fort Sully and Berthold; the Reas, Mandans and 
Grovans. near the latter post, where they have had their permanent 
camps for the last twenty years, the Assiniboines between Fort Buford 
D. T., and the Muscle-Shell river, M. T. These tribes live in peace 



16 LIFE AND ADVENTURES 

with the whites, of us nearly so as Indians ever have, or prohaly evif 
will. 

The Sidux, Coinaiiciii's. Apachi-s, Airappahocs and Ogallallas. wlio 
sjH'iid a great part of the year in this part of tho Northwest. ar(> tlic dead- 
'ii'st foes that ever the white man had. 

The typie of the Indian is put up hy the sfjuaws. From eight to si.\- 
:<'en poles, each one from fourteen to sixteen feet long, and about two 
inches thick are tied together at the thinestends with rawhide; then the 
opposite ends are put on the ground and spread out so as to make a cir- 
''le. .\round this pyramid dressed bufl*alo-skin< an' fasti-u'-d. leaving an 
iipening at the top for tlie smoke to escape, and one at theJ>ottoni to 
Nerve as a door. In th(> center of the typie a hole is dug for a tiri--plaec. 
.Tud around this blankets and robes are spread, so a-; to give a <-omforta- 
ble resting place. 

On arrival nt tie- camping plarr in cold weatlui- tlx- noble red- man 
orders his squaws to gather some dry grass or bush, to spread the same 
on the ground and build a fire, at Avhich the boss warms himself whilst 
tlie squaws put up the typie around him. This done, the squaws haul 
w (K)d and water, attend to the horses, and do all other necessary woik, 
during which time the master takes bis ease and smokes his pipe. Tin 
squaws are ordered about like slaves, and God pity the one wlio does 
lot promptly obey, for their h>rds are not at all Imckward in using their 
bow.< or rawhide to give force to their words. 

In each typie lives one family, consisting of from one to thice men, so 
that, after all these are uiside, not to forget a respectable number of pap 
pooses, ther(> is no nmre room for either man or beast. 

The man is the nuvster of the squaws in every respect. If he takes a 
:ancy to a squaw, slie must become his wife, whether she is willing or 
lot. If he cannot persuade her to enter his typie, he falls back on his 
bow and rawhide, and sometimes he even uses his knife. 

Kach Indian village has its Chief and Medicine Man. The former is 
;he military head; he orders feasts and councils. Th<' latter is the doc- 
tor and minister. 

The food of the Indian <;onsists almost entirely of meat., and only in 
>l»ring, after his winter stores are all consumed, he eats roots. Gajne at 
fiiis season of the year is very poor and scarce, and hunting very dtficult 
on account of high water, etc. The Indian is a perfect glutton, and eats 
•til he can get. The capacity of his provision sepulchre, and the endu- 
rance of his digestive organs are something leally astonishing, and when 



JOSEPH \y. COOPER. 17 

he has plenty before him he generally eats as long as he can work his 
jaws. But he will fast for three or four days witout grumbling, when 
food is not in his reach. 

In regard to clothing I must say that even a we// dressed Indian does 
not look much like he had just come out of a Broad Street or Fifth Ave- 
nue tailoring establishment. His dress consists of the breech-cloth, 
which is very much like the bathmg pants used by the white man, and a 
buffalo robe or a woolen blanket, which he throws over his shoulders 
so he can pull it over his head for protection against the often very great 
heat and intense cold. His feet are clad in moccasins made of buffalo, 
elk, or antelope skins. The head of the Indian is always decorated with 
feathers, in addition to which he often wears at the back of the head a 
ribbon, which is hung with round pieces of tin, and which often reaches 
to the ground, forming a kind of queue. To make his appearance more 
attractive, he paints his face in all colors, using mostly paint, but, under 
some circumstances, dirt. 

The Indian is generally tall and slender, and of a build peculiar alone 
to his race. His features are sharp, his jaw bones protruding, and his 
nose correspondingly large. To prevent growth of beard, he pulls out 
the hair as soon as it makes its appearance through the skin. His ey('> 
and hair are black, and the latter very thick and stiff. The squaws arc 
of medium heighth, but mostly all broad shouldered and ver}' stout. 
They wear pants made of flannel or skins; dresses without sleeves, and 
over these wollen or buffalo robes. Their feet are protected in thi' 
same manner as the man's. A leather belt from two to three inches 
wide gathers their robes or blankets around their waists, so that they 
can carry their pappooses on their backs. The children go perfectly 
naked, or else clad in the most scanty rags winter and summer. 

The squaws are quite proficient in needle-work, and many turn out 
nicely embroidered moccasins, tobacco pouches, knife scabbards, saddles, 
hunting and Sunday -go-to-meeting shirts for their beloved masters. 

The language of the Indian is a mixture of gutteral and howling 
sounds, and is altogether defective and imperfect, which is the reason 
that an Indian speaks more by sign than bj^ words. If you were "to tie 
an Indian's hands behind him, it would be dificult for him to make him- 
self understood in conversation with even one of his own tribe. 

The word "how" is used as a greeting, or the expression has the same 
meaning as our "very." The syllable "doe" is often used at the end of 
a sentence to give more force to its meaning. For instance, "siche"' 



18 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

means '"bad,"' "sichpdoe," "very bad;'' "wasohtoe" is "good," "wascfi- 
toedoe" "very good." If the Indian means to express himself very for- 
cibly, he will hold out this syllable for a '.ong time ; so if he says '"wash- 
toedoe-oe-oe-oe-oe,'' he means "extraordinary good." 

The Indian always likes to play the stoic, and takes care not to be 
caught wandering, or to show surprise at anything that comes under Ins- 
observation. If anything happens, that almost an exclamation of surprise 
escapes him, he quickly puts his hand before his moutlv, not to betray 
his amazement. 

The eloquent and tlowery speeches whicli are said to have charac- 
terized the primitive tribes of this country, are not in vogue among 
the Indians now inhabiting the West, as I never heard anything of tlie 
kind — not even an attempt — during mj'^ stay among them. 

The Indian counts the time by the nights He tells you that he will 
sleep so often before he returns from a trip, or before lie will go to a 
certain place. 

The travelling of the Indian, considering the circiunstances, is fasi. 
When the day for commencing a journey is decided upon, the horses arc 
driven in early in the morning ; the typie poles are tied together at the 
small end, and are hung over the back of the horse, whilst the two 
other ends are dragging on the ground on each side behind the horse. 
Immediately back of the horse a kind of basket or board is between the 
poles for the purpose of loading the baggage an d papooses. All this is 
done by the squaws, and after the servitors o f the red man have bridled 
and saddled his horse, he mounts it and rides oil] leaving the squaws 
and children to follow him on foot, unless there are extra horses, which 
they are permitted to mount. 



CHAPTER VIL 

THE SUN FETK, 

The Indian has h'is holy-days as well as the «hite man. After a suc- 
cessful hunt or victorious war, he has a good time. The most important 
of hii^ fetes is the Sun fete, which is the great examination day for 
young ment who are anxious to become warriors. 

I had the good luck to be present on such an occasion. At 7 o'clock on 
tl'.i' morning of thefe/e day, all the chiefs and warriors, dressed in full 



JOSEPH W. COOPER. 19 

unifurm, and paiiUed in the luost elegant style, went in great procession 
to tlio brush huts, whicli had been built by the squaws on the previous 
day for this groat occasion. Tlie head chief sat down opposite the 
centre pole, the other prominents taking seats on botli sides of him in u 
half oircle. Without talking, they sat there with earnest faces, until the 
appearance of the Medicine Man, when thej^ all arose and took their 
seats again after a sign from him. And now commenced the finest mu- 
sic you can imagine, given by an ochestra of drums and fifes. The 
drums consist of a piece of dried skin spanned over a wooden band : 
the musician beats this instrument witli a couple of sticks in the most 
artistic manner, bent on making all tlie noise possible. The fifes are 
made of willow, and are in the hands of fully as accomplished artists as 
those who perform on the drums. The fifer who is able to draw two 
different notes from his instrument, is considered an excellent musician, 
and enjoys the same popularitj' as the director of our most celebrated 
music band. To give the finishing touch to this horrible commingle of 
tunes, a lot of old squaws accompany it with their harsh voices. After 
the chiefs have enjoyed this heart and nerve-rending for an astonishingly 
long time, th(? pipe is lit bj' the assistant of the Medicine Man, and 
makes the rounds. Each of the smokers takes a few quaffs, lets the 
smoke escape through the nose, and hands the pipe to his neighbor. 
The Indians smoke the killikinick, made from the bark of the willow, 
which is pealed off, dried, and then crushed between the hands, when it 
is ready for the pipe. The aroma of this killikinick is very delicious, 
and surpasses by far that of burned rags. This business being disposed 
of, the young men who were willing to undergo the examination for 
w^arriors entered in single file, being dressed w^ith nothing but their 
breech-cloths, leaving the upper and lower parts of their bodies totally 
naked, unless the thick coats of paint and mud which besmeared their 
faces and other parts of their bodies might be called a covering. Each 
one carried in his hand a willow pipe. Having entered the hut and 
arranged themselves in a circle around the centre-pole, the Med- 
icine Man, with assistance, approached them, to commence opera- 
tions. He bored holes through the skin of the breast of each of these 
brave youths, drew strings of raw-hide through the holes, and fastened 
buffalo skulls to them, so that they hung down as far as their knees. 
One of the young Indians was fastened with these raw-hides to the 
centre-pole. The task was to jump and pull so long that tKe weight of 
the skulls should tear the skin, and so free the young men of their dis- 



20 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

a;4Toeable burdoi!. They w(?rG not allowed to take any rcfi'eshments, 
except an occasional pull on the pipe, which was handed to them by one 
of the chiefs. They had not been allowed to taste any food within 
twenty-four hours previous to the commencement of this fete. As 
soon as the last of these voluntary victiiri# had been decorated with 
raw-hides and skulls, the dance commenced — drums rattled, fifes 
screamed, the old squaws sung a melody, warriors howled, and the 
young men blew their tifes and halloed war songs, whilst they were 
(lancing and jumping up and down to get rid of their decorations. 
Xone of them uttered a cry of pain, or allowed their faces to show the 
agony they were suffering, although they had to endure this pain from 
two to seven hours. The young man tied to the post had a very hard 
task, and remained fast to this post for a long time after his comrades 
were all delivei'od. The head chief ordered a young squaw and a fine 
horse to be brought to the hut, both of which he promised to the 
young man if he would free himself from his bands. Almost eleven 
hours this brave had been dancing, jumping, pulling and tearing to get 
loose — all in vain I He seemed almost exhausted. Once more he 
strained every nerve, once more run and jumped; and amidst the 
encouraging applause of the spectators he burst his bands and freed 
himself from the pole, besmeared with his blood. 

It was a tragic comedy, or a comic tragedy, to see these young Indians 
dance and jump, running from one side to the other, quickly jerking 
against their bands to tear the skin, at the same time encouraging each 
other by their songs and music, whilst the chiefs sat in stoic silence, 
smoking their pipes, only now and then deigning to help the other 
singers over the most difficult passages of their overtures. 

As soon as one of these young Indians had forced his bands he would 
straightway go to the Medicine ]Man and receive two cuts on his left 
upper arm, as a certificate that he was a warrior, and entitled to par- 
ticipate in the councils of his nation. When the last had gone through 
this process, they were all led in triumph to another hut, where a 
splendid meal, consisting of a roasted dog, was awaiting them, which 
banquet concluded the " Sun Fete." 

The way and manner that this dog is prepared, for this and other 
occasions, is as tollows : A fire is built, and the dog is taken to the fire- 
side, and then killed with a tomahawk. Without cleansing, he is laid 
on the fire,- where he remains until the hair is thoroughly scorched, and 
then he is taken off the fire and laid on the ground. Then the warriors 



JOSEPH W. COOPER 21 

form a circlo around this carcas, and each wait.s liis turn, as only one 
knife is allowed to bt; used on this occasion. 

Every young Indian has to stand this examination ; if he does not, he 
is considered a squaw — seuaw dresses are put upon him, and he must 
do all the work squaws are subjected to, and is not allowed to carry 
nrms of any kind. During my stay on the frontier I have only seen 
ona of these outcasts. 



CHAPTER VIll. 

THE BUFFALO HUNT. 

I'ho main liunt of the Indian is the buffalo hunt. The buffalo is about 
till' size of a common ox, and is covered with long bushy hair, which 
almost entirely hides the small black eyes. Two small stout horns 
are the ornaments of the head, and the sole weapon of the buffalo. The 
shoulders run into a large hump ; the forelegs are considerably shorter 
than the hind logs, which enable this animal to run up hill much faster 
than other animals on the plains. 

In the spring the buffalo is very poor, and the hair on the animal is 
thin, so that the skin is visible on almost every part of the body. The 
skni of the buffalo is very thick, especially on the head and shoulders, 
where, a bullet is almost without any effect, as it is almost impossible 
for it to penetrate the bone : but a well-aimed shot behind the front leg 
always has the desired effect, as' it can hardly miss the big heart of the 
animal. 

It is strange to say, but nevertheless true, that a bullet may peneti-ate 
the heart of this animal, but never produces death so suddenly as with 
other animals. He will travel from a quarter of a mile to a mile before 
he will surrender. He will then carefully lay down and stretch him- 
-:elf on the ground, and there (juietly surrender to death. The meat of 
the calves and cows is very fine ; the heart and tongue are delicious. 
The liver is considered to be very unhealthy. The buffaloes are found 
in herds fo from one to three thousand ; when grazing the old bulls are 
watching on every point near by, to smell or see all approaching danger. 
If they are disturbed they run against the wind, so that they may easier 
d(!tect possible enemies. 



22 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

BufFalos are not of the «av;igo nature usually represented by the white 
man. They hardly eA'er fight among themselves, or rarely attack an 
enemy. If the herd is attacked the oldest male takes the lead, and all 
the others follow him wherever he goes. Should the herd be separated 
during the flight, it assembler immediately after the danger is past. If 
a calf is tired or wounded, the cow stays near him as long as advisable 
for her own safet}'. The Yanktonnais, under their chief. Two Bears, 
numbering about three hundred typies, commenced their fall hunt the 
latter part of August, 1806 ; and it was while returning from an expedi- 
tion to Minnesota that I had the pleasure of being present atone of their 
hunts. At this time of the year the buffaloes are very fat ; the robes 
are clean and short-haired, commencing to get thick to protect their 
wearers agains the cold of the approaching winter. 

The Assinniboines use altogether dogs for transporting their baggage, 
whilst the men, women and children almost all walk, horses being very 
scarce with them. A few years back these Indians even hunted the 
buffalo on foot. A day's march is usually twenty miles, but often forty 
to fifty miles,as the water places are often very distant from each other. 
During the hunting season they make only small marches, and only stop 
wherever the game is plentiful. The robes, which the Indians gather 
during the season, are tanned by the squaws, and sold to the traders for 
flour, sugar, coffee, blankets, thread, needles, beads, paints, etc. The 
poor Indian receives, of couse, only about one-third of the value of his 
goods. 

The only great redeeming trait of the Indian is their liberality among 
themselves. They are a lying, mean st>t, and steal all they can lay their 
hands on, and beg as long as you will listen to them. If an Indian steals 
a horse he is a hero, and entitled to as much honor as another who mur- 
ders his enemy in his sleep, which is considered to be as brave a deed 
as if he vanquished his adversary in an open hand-to-hand fight, if only 
the scalp is taken. The Indians never attack white men unless they are 
in overwhelming numbers, and then only when they can surprise them. 
If they have the good fortune to capture an enemy, they torture him 
cruelly. 

The religion of the Indian is in some respects similar to that of the 
Deist ; he believes in a Great Father, whose eye is the Sun, and who sees 
in day time all that happens in the world. If an Indian wants to com- 
municate anything of importance, he does it at day-time, believing that, 
if the eye of the Great Father does not lest on him during his narrative, 



JOSEPH W. COOPER. 23 

the evil spirit will turn it into a lie. Diirini;- night he never Hghts, as the 
Great Father is asleep then, and cannot help his red children in case of 
^niergenc}'-. The Indians are also superstitious. They will kill the 
bear and dry the rohe, but nev(M' tun it, as they think it will bring mis- 
fortune. 

In the morning, after the arrival of the noble chief, "'J'wo Bears,"' witli 
his band on the camping ground, some forty young 'bucks," well 
mounted, were sent out to drive the buffaloes into the vicinity of the 
camp. About noon news was received that the buffaloes were approacli- 
jng, and the remaining men prepared for the hunt ; horses were saddled, 
bows and arrows looked after, guns and pistols (of which arms quite a 
number are found among the Indians) loaded all ready, and horses 
mounted, the Indians formed in one long line, the chief occupying the 
center, and as soon as the buflaloes, who did not suspect their extreme 
danger, were opposite the warriors, the latter charged them under loud 
cries and songs. Everj^ Indian selects his own game ; he drives ^t 
around in a circle, shooting his arrows into the animal until it drops, 
and oft" he goes after another one, and so on until he has shot away th<; 
last of from sixty to eighty arrows. Often it takes from fifteen to six- 
teen arrows to kill one buffalo. The Indians shoot their arrows very 
quickly, and with astonishing accuracy. The horse of the Indian is 
trained and kept under perfect conti-ol by his excellent rider. Xow the 
work of skinning and cuttting up commences, and it is curious to see how 
every hunter knows his own game hj means of his arrows. The meat 
is cut in strips from the bones, heart and tongue are taken out, and all 
loaded on the pack horses, which have been led to the Viattle ground by 
the squaws. After the Indians return to the camp a sumptuous repast 
is served, and then the noble red man sinks down on his bed of buffalo 
skins to dream of the great hunting grounds, which the Great Father re- 
serves for the special use of his red children after they leave this world. 

I have had many a good buffalo hunt, which is the most exciting 
jiastime any one can imagine, but care must be taken, as the horses get 
easily excited, the ground is often very uneven, full of wolf holes, etc. 

During a hunt I fell with my horse, and it took several months to re- 
cover from the effects. 

The opinion prevails among the whites, from reading novels and other 
books, that a buffalo w-ill fight his aggressor, but it is an erroneous one. 
It happens sometimes that a hunter wnll bo lifted out of his saddle by a 
buffalo, or that horse and rider are both raised from the ground, quite 



24 LIFE AND ADVENTURES 

suddenly and unceremoniously, but this generally liappens accidentally 
Vjy a sudden turn of the buffalo. When the horse or rider don't watch 
the danger, the animal will then run with his head, which he holds veiy 
low in running, against or under the belly of the horse, and not being- 
used to such a weight, he is rather in a hurry to get rid of it, which In' 
does without any previous notice, or the rider's special permission. 

One daj^ a party of several of us pursvied a buffalo which had separated 
from tlie herd. He had been wounded, and after a four mile chase we 
compelled him to stop. One of the men sprang from his saddle and 
commenced shooting awaj^ at him with a revolver, at a distance not ex- 
ceeding fifty yards, while others took him from another direction, but at 
longer range. We hit the buffalo often but not in the right place, and 
he would always shoM' us the spot by scratching with one of liis 
paws. At last the man nearest to him, with his excellent rifle and good 
marksmanship, put in a telling shot, when the poor animal turned sud- 
denly towards him, commenced pawing the ground, lowered hi.s horns 
and seemed ready to attack his daring adversary, but, seeing his antago- 
nist meant to stand his ground, he took to his heels, then suddenlj' stop- 
ping, and finding a good place, stretched himself on the grass and 
died. After skinning this annimal we found thirty-five wounds in dif- 
ferent parts of his body. 



CHAPTER IX. 



INDIANS ON THE WAR-PATH CARE OF THEIR DEAD AND WOUNDED 

THEIR FUNERALS. 

The arms of the Indian are bow and arrow, knife and tomahawk. 
The red man is very anxious to have a gun or a revolver, and uses them 
in battle and on the hunt; but he relies- mostly on the first-named 
weapon, being better used to them, and because he can use them in any 
kind of weather — cold or heat, rain or sunshine not effecting these arms 
in the least. 

When on the M^ar-path the Indians scour the country in parties of 
from twenty to fifty, as they cannot be as easily discovered in small 
parties as if they moved in large masses. Another advantage is, that 
they can move in such parties a great deal faster. On these occasions 
they make from sixty to eighty miles a day ; rest from three to four 
hours, during which time their tough ponies rest sufficiently. When 



JOSEPH W. COOPER. 25 

on the war-path the Indians live mostly on berries and roots, as hunting 
would betray their presence to enemies. Tluiir battles are skirmishes, 
if tlu- two opposing parties are of about the same strength, and the 
most horrible massacres, if one of the parties outnumbers the other to 
any great extent. 

Prisoners are sildum taki-n, as every one. Indian ;is well as white 
man, will fight to the last, well knowing that as a prisoner he will be 
subjected to the most cruel tortures. The squaws do not take part in 
the fight, unless their villages are attacked, when, armed v.-ith knives 
and tomahawks, they arc <ui'niies not to be underrated or despised. 
Very young boys often take part in fights, and stand their ground 
bravidy. 

In the fall of 1868 three Assiniboine boys, eight or nine years of age, 
defended themselves very successfully against four Comanche Indians, 
who had come to steal some horses. The boys killed one of the rob- 
bers, wounded another one very dangerousl}-, and forced the other two 
to seek their salvation in flight, carrying, however, their unlucky brother 
with them. On the war-path the Indians kill every human being — man 
or boy, woman or child, friend or foe, unless strictly a member of their 
body, to be sure that their approach be not announced. The chief is 
the foremost in the fight : his strong voice is heard above the war- 
whoop of the conflicting parties, encouraging his men to stand their 
ground, at the same time trying to force the chief of the opposing party 
to a hand to hand fight. 

By this description it would a^ipear as if the Indians wage very bloody 
wars among themselves, but there is a great deal of cry at the same 
time, and little done. If one party or the other loses one, or two or three 
are wounded, it is a very bloody aftair. When fighting, the Indian is only 
dressed with the breech-cloth, his robe or blanket hanging over his 
horse, which gives him free and unhindered use of his limbs. To see a 
party of Indians thundering over the plains on their little ugly horses, 
quite naked, painted and besmeared with mud, hollering and screaming, 
their hair, blankets and robes flying in the wind, bent on murder, 
ravage and plunder, is enough to make the blood freeze within you. 
But often such a partj^, of perhaps twenty-five or thirty, turns at the 
sight of six or ten white men, determined to stand their ground and 
fight it to extermination, if it should take from the rising to the going 
down of another sun. The observer sees immediately that there is no 



26 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

real courage, but only willingness to murder and plunder, if no objec- 
tion is raised by the other party. 

The dead and wounded are always taken along by their friends ; often 
a real bloody fight ensues over the body of one of the fallen. Some 
three hundred Indians attacked twenty-five soldiers in Montana, on 
open ground. The soldiers had wagons with them, of which they im- 
uie<liately built barricades, and defended themselves here until other 
troops came up. When advised of the danger his comrades were in, 
one of the soldiers, whose name I will not mention, rode right through 
the line of battle, and was chased nine miles by the red skins, under 
loud yells and war-whoops. He made his escape by reaching the Fort, 
(^n this occasion seventeen Indians were killed and wounded in the 
attempt to carry off one of their nunibei- who had fallen close to the 
barricade. The warmest and softest blankets in the camp are spread 
for their beds, and the wounds are healed by the application of herbs 
put up by the Medicine Man. During the sickness all friends call very 
often, sing their war songs, and smoke their aromatic killikinic. 

The funeral of an Indian warrior is conducted with great pomp. 
After death he is dressed in his best clothes ; his arms are either put 
on him or laid along side of him ; his best buffalo robe is spread ; he 
is then rolled up into it, and so carried to his last resting place, accom- 
panied by his howling squaws, whilst all of his comrades follow, singing 
war and death songs. Arriving hert?, the corpse is laid on a structure 
eight or ten feet high, erected for this purpose, but often hung or laid 
on a tree. All scalps taken by him are hung up with him, and his 
mother, sister, wives and other female relatives cut off their hair and 
rip open their breasts, arms and legs with knives or sharp stones. The 
squaws of the dead sing their death-songs for years after at the grave. 
If the dead Indian was a renowned warrior or chief, a horse is often 
killed at his grave. Some bands burn the bodies of the dead immedi- 
ately, othei-s bury them in the ground. 

The Indians are in great fear of the soldiers, because they are always 
armed and ready for an attack. Indians never attack them unless they 
are in a very large majority, and then only when they can surprise 
them, as they don't care to be a mai'k to the Springfield breech-loading 
rifles with which the soldiers are armed. 

During my stay on the frontier I was in different difficulties with 
these red devils. On the 20th day of August, 1868, I was one of a 
party of sixteen or seventeen men, under the command of a rather 



JOSEPH W. COOPER. 27 

cowardiy sergeant, in charge of our beef cattle. I cannot say that we 
were surprised, as usually represented by the ink-slingers of the West- 
ern press, but were fairly warned of the approach of these Indians, 
about one hundred and twenty-fivo of whom constituted the attacking 
party, whilst some two hundred more were in close vicinit3% to support 
them, if necessary'. Immodiatel}' on the attack several of our men 
were killed and others wounded — one so severel}^ that he died the same 
evening. Our three-striped gentleman put for the fort as fast as his 
horse could carry him, fearfully excited at the Indian war-whoop. If 
he is alive and could sec these lines, he could in tears tell his lover how 
mad he was on that eventful and unfortunate day ; it is forever stamped 
on his memory, never to be forgotten. But, however, along came 
another gentleman, of a higher stripe, who ranked as lieutenant. This 
officer was second lieutenant of mj' company', and well liked b}' his 
men. His name is Cornelius C. Cusick. well known in the northwestern 
territories as a brave, gallant, faithful and true soldier. During this 
fight Lieut. Cusick immediately came to assist those who were willing 
to assist themselves. He at once called for volunteers to pursue the 
Indians. Like manj^ young men that never knew what danger was, I 
was first to offer my services, and five others immediately joined. By 
this time the Indians had captured some two hundred and twenty- five 
head of beef cattl.e, and were driving them to the "bad lands," and 
forcing them over a high precipice. Those that were not killed and 
crippled starved in these deep places, as there were no outlets fortheir 
escape. Lieut. Cusick, with his small escort, recaptured a portion of 
this herd ; but in the meantime we were surrounded by the savages. 
In fact, the}" had us right where they intended — they let the gap down, 
and in we rode. We were not captured, however, but were completely 
surrounded, the lines of the enemy being not over a hundred yards 
from us. We were on a little hill, and it was circled with a deep ditch, 
which it was impossible for a horseman to cross, only at one point. 
While we were considering what to do, these bloods would yell the 
war-whoop, and would even sing their " war capture songs." For- 
tunately I was the onl}' one that knew the condition of these gullies, 
and was ordered by our brave commander to take the lead. At the 
same time the infantry, instead of coming to our relief, were running 
for life for the fort — their commander in the lead. But, obeying my 
gallant commander, I led the way, bringing Lieut. Cusick and myself 
out through the narrow passage of this ditch. Our comrades were all 



28 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

killed, and their bodies mutiiatcvl in a. most brutal manner. T.ieiit. 
Cusick and myself were both badly wounded — he beinj'- fentir(>ly dis- 
abled. He remained by my side, however, encouraging me all the 
while, and declaring that he would die rather than des-rt nn. I was 
soon knocked off my horse, wken sev(ni of the infuriated savages dis- 
mounted to finish me with their knivis. 1 was well armed, however, 
and they failed to complete their work : and it gratifies me until this 
day to know that some of tlicsr murderous foemen suHen^d even more 
than T did. They captured my horse and left mo on foot, but I kept 
them at bay by using my pistols, and finally made my way back to the 
fort, the brave and tenacious Lient. Cusick remaining by my side until 
the last. I shall never foi'get that day's fight, nor the gallant solitary 
officer who remained with me, refusing to run even after he was unable 
to fight. 

It is strange to say, but howevi'j' it is trm", I carri(Ml with nic an arrow 
which entered my right side autl came out under my right breast. An- 
other arrow penetrated my left hip. and remained there two months an<] 
twenty-one days before it was withdrawn. I also receivetl a cut in the 
head; but notwithstanding all this and other abuse with clubs and 
shot guns, I was still able to 'pack sand"' torwards the fort. On my 
way I was met V)y Dr. James P. Kimball, who had a quart bottle of 
genuine whiskey, whicli he gave and toM me to drink freel3% wliich i 
did, and before I could get to the fort, I was heavily intdxicated. 1 was 
within two hundred yards of the Fort when I fell, completely exhaus- 
ted. I was conveyed to the hospital on a stretcher, remaining thci 
nine months before 1 was able to leave. 

The Assiniboine Indians possess several distinctive traits and features 
from other tribes of Indians. When one. of their band becomes too old 
and infirm to travel, for instance, they get rid of him in the following 
manner. A vault is built of large stones, forming a sepulchre just large 
enough to receive tlie body. The old man or old woman, as the case 
may be, utters not a murmur, but willingly crawls inside. The vault is 
then closed, making escape impossible, and the occupant is left to perish. 

In 1869 a small party of Sitting Bull's band were making prijparations 
to attack old Fort Union, and one day chanced to meet in a ravine? a 
woman and three children, friendly Indians from the Fort. These blood- 
thirsty villains killed the woman and the two largest children. The 
third child, wh*o was not exceeding three years old, received a fearful 
wound in the side, and was scalped and left for dead. Three days after 



JOSEPH W. COOPER. 29 

tliis occurri'd, 1 was ixM|U('.sted b}- one of the friendly Indians to report 
to him the particuhirs of the murder and the whereabouts and condition 
•of the bodies. I was scouting at the time, and found the dead bodies of 
the unfortuuat(> woman and the two oldest children. The\^ had b^i-n 
scalped, and their itodies horribly mutilated. After viewing this sicken- 
ing scene, I made my way up tlie ravine some fifty yards, where I found 
the youngest child standing up, holding on to a " bull berry"' bush, eating 
tlie beri'ries therefrom. -My whole sympathj'- was at once aroused for 
the child, and, dismounting from my hor.se, I took it into my arms, 
ileturning to the Fort, I delivered the little suft'erer to its uiolher, whoj 
had given up her child as dead. I shall not attempt to describe the af- 
fecting scene which followed the restoration of this Vitthi native of tbi' 
])lains, scalped, wounded and bloody, to its mother, but will leave the 
reader to draw the picture in imagination. I cannot leave the reader in 
doubt as to whether or not my kindness on this occasion was appieci- 
iited, however. I was not only welcomed to the camp of the tribe to 
which this grateful mother belonged, but r(!ceived the -nost earnest as- 
surance that I would henceforth be regarded as a true friend to the Red 
Skins. Several days after this the mother of the child sent for nae, and 
upon going to her typie I was presented with a splendid suit of buck- 
skin clothes, which i prized very highly. The child recovered, and, to 
my own knowledge, was in perfect health two years afterwards. I have 
ev(}ry reason to believe it is yet alive ; it is a girl, and its name is 
"Otedaha" (Yellow Flower), and now about thirteen years of age, ac- 
cording to their count. They will tell you they have seen so many 
winters or so many summers : they know nothing of days, weeks or 
fnonths. 



CHAPTER IX. 



?OW THE INDIANS VIEW AN ECLIPSE. 



In 1809 the Assiniboine Indians, and a few Mexicans, Spainiaids and 
other rutfians of the prairies, were fearfully frightened with the eclipse 
near Fort Union, ^lontana Territoiy. These Indians and ruffians were 
encamped near the i-iver, in the dark path across the plains. There were 



30 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OT 

luiiidretls of these desperadoes who bore the reputation of a blood- 
thirsty, infamous, character,, and that of the very meanest type. They 
had not heanl anything yeeuliajr v/as to. happen, and were totally sur-^ 
prised. The Indiasus, "bucks- and s<]iuaws,"" were all bathing in the river,, 
when, to their surprise,.the eclipse commenced, and soon total darkness. 
[)rev 331.1 ed. They started from, the river with to-maliawks, knives, lances^ 
pistols, shot-guns, bows arnd arrows, war-clabs, and other implements- 
of their savage nature^ all leaving the river, and hurrying to camp, with- 
out making, the slightest aoKse. It Wiss so ainu.s.ing to me that I halloed 
at the top of my voice In their own vemactilm- as follows : "Wa-sich 
wa-kah chinke-appeh, eou-ar !'" — meaning that the Great Spirit had come 
to talk. Then a perfect race commenced t© see who should get to the 
writer first. Screaming and crying, most pitcously. these Indians and 
ruffians, male and fen>ale, without the slightest wearhig apparel on their 
bodies, rashed around me. Frantic with fear, each one seenic-d intent 
on laying haisils upon me, and soon they had me down upon the ground. 
Xovs' I began to realize tlnat I had perpetrated a joke more serious in its 
consequences than I had anticipated. I was pulled and ''whooped up" 
by the excited crowd until T grew very uneasy, to say nothing of a 
severe hemorhage at the nose, which commenced as soon as I got on my 
feet again. 

Soon the darkness passed away, and the sun becanxe visible to the 
eye ot the superstitious creatures again, w^hen they began to euestion 
me, asking what the " Red Childrea '' had done that the Great Spirit 
should bring this frightful evil upon them. Then they commenced a 
jubilee, riding their horses in a circle, shooting their arrows in the air, 
discharging their guns, throwing their tomahaw^ks to the centre of the 
ring, hallooing the war whoop and singing their songs, and greatly re- 
joicing to think that the Great Father had spared his red children, and 
still permitted them to dwell on their hunting grounds. The writer can 
say himself that it would be a pleasure to know that he should never 
witness another eclipse, especially on the plains, and among the Assini- 
boine Indians, notwithstanding they looked upon him as one that could 
communicate with the Great Spirit, and should be cared for while in 
their midst; one whom they would not mistreat under any consideration, 
as it might bring misfortune on them. Indians never injure or kill any 
white man who claims to be acquainted with the Great Spirit, believing 
that the evil spirit would visit them. 

I remained in their camp several days, and was treated with hospita- 



^JOSEPH \V. COOPED S'i 

' )lc kindness. This camp was wiliiout meat at this time, but-a.s it is as 
common for the Indian to feast on the dog^ml ^volf as it is for tlie white 
man to enjoy the fat pig, I never suffered for -the want of something to 
^at Asa rule they never allow the white niin to visit their caiHp or 
typies vritho^t eating with tl:i(^ra ; and if he shoukl refuse to partake of 
their hospitality, he then gains their utmost ill will. Believing you 
were raised differently, and that you are too proud to feast with them, 
they will soon discard you They eat thi-ir noi'at jirincipallj raw. es- 
j)ecially if at is fresh, ^nd then without salt 



CHAPTER X. 

■SHOOTraw AN INJJIAN PKISolJ'E.R. 

At Fort Buford, D. T., in 1868, an Indian came to this military post w 
■do his usual trading, when he expressed himself as having been in a 
Ifight with Sitting Bull's raid at Fort Buford, August 20th, 1868, and 
stated that he was one of the first to count "coose.'' In these raids they 
carry with them a rod with a red feather attached to the end, and the 
one that is able to strike the body of the dead first is a hero, and entitled 
to the first scalp. He was at once threatened by a mob, but Gen. Mar- 
row prevented it by force of arms. He was arrested and placed in the 
guard-house, where h-e was still threatened by a mob, gotten up by luv 
brother. They consulted me on the subject, and 1 persuaded them to 
give him a fair chance and treat him as a prisoner. They took my ad- 
vice. I was still in the hospital and unable to 'j.ct off my bed. A few- 
days afterwards, a friend of mine came to me and stated that he intended 
to destroy the life of this prisoner, and that at four o'clock in the morn- 
ing I would hear the report of a gun, the contents of which would be 
his fatal end. At four o'clock in the morning the guft was heard, and 
the work completed. No one sympathized with him or his bereaved 
friends, not so much as to offer their Services to bur}' him. My brother 
who was so anxious to mob him, took a pick and shovel and dug his 
grave and. buried him decently and respectably on the banks of the Mis- 
souri river. 

Three months later nine of his friends came to the Fort to revenge the 



32 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

loss of thoir brave comrade. They rode up to tke Fort as if friendly., 
and fired at the soldiers, but hurt no one. I am satisfied that the sol- 
diers discharg-ed some eight or nine hundred guns at them, but without 
effect. They made theii* e.scape without sustaining any damage. 

The friendly Indians at the Fort became so indignant at the daring 
attack of the dead waiTior's fi-iends, that the old squaws went to his 
grave and dug- him up, bursted the coffin, took his l>ody out and separ- 
ated his legs and his arms from his body, and cast them to tlie four 
winds, after which they took his heart out, and erected it on a high pole, 
with his head attached to it, and had a general "squaw dance." They 
also took a large bunch of hair and braided it, and took the bear claw.^ 
which He wore around his neck, and made them a present to me. They 
took the head to Dr. JanK-s P. Kimball, Surgeon, IT. &. A., which hi-^ 
preserved. 



CHAPTER XI. 

'THE YKLLdW STONE MARAUDER BAND — A TKUK COPV OF THBIK BY-I.AWS 
HOW THEY WEKE OBTAINED. 

The "Yellow Stone Marauder Band" was an organization composed of 
white men and half-breeds, who became a terror to the people on the 
frontier. The}' scouted about through the country from place to place, 
sometimes as "regulators,'" but always as murderers and robbers. In- 
dians and white people were killed and robbed alike by this band of 
desperadoes, whose crimes were frequentl}' charged bj^ the whites to 
the Indians, or to the former by the latter, as the circumstances might 
be. It was well known throughout the Yellow Stone country that a 
band of robbers were operating in that region, but who they were, or 
under what name or pretense they existed, is, until this day, perhaps, a 
mystery which has never been revealed to any living being, who did not 
belong to the Band, except the writer. It was b}^ the merest chance 
that I learned that such an organization as the Yellow Stone Marauders 
existed and became, at the same time, in possession of their by-laws. 

It happened in this way : In 1869 I went to Fort Union, M. T., and 



JOSEPH W. COOPER. 30 

arrived just in timi' to see a difficulty ))i'tween HiMirv Owen and I'ete 
Shoecat. The latter was wliipping his wife, who caih'd upon Owi'u for 
assistanee. Owen very cooly and kindly askinl Shoecat to desist, adding 
that he woidd afti-wards rej^ret his cruelty to his wife. This only ter- 
ritied the tj'rauie hushand all the more. and. with u fearful oatii, he 
swore he would kill Owen, and rushed into the hut for his .l;uu. Shoe- 
cat and Owen lived in the same hut, with only a rude partition l)etw<Mii 
tln^ni. Both came out of tiie hut together, with rifles in hand. Step- 
ping back until they were .some ten feet apart, each man threw his gun 
to his shoulder and tired, Shoecat shooting Owen through the muscle of 
the back, and Owen shooting Shoecat through the left )>reast, just 
above the heart. Owen fell immediately, and exclaimed to me that he 
was dying. Shoecat then called to his wife and told her that he had 
killed Owen, his best friend, and that she must take care of herself un- 
til he returned, as he was in danger and would have to leave. The 
wretched man had no idea at this time how badly he himself was hurt, 
and had not proceeded more than sixty yards liefore he fell. In a few 
minutes afterward I went to him and found that lie was bleeding p.o- 
'usely, and in a dying condition. 

It AA'as from this dying man that I received tlie by-laws of the '-Yel- 
low Stone Marauder Band." Taking the paper from his liosom, he told 
me what it was, and informed me that he was the leader, and had been (iver 
since the Minnesota massacre. He begged me that if he should die I 
would not let the United States officers know anything about his band. 
The whole truth is, he tried to destroy the paper on wiiich the by-laws 
and regulations were written, but T interfered and got possession of it. 
This was late in the evening, and he remained on the ground until about 
9 o'clock the next morning, when he breathed his last. 

Henrj' Ow'en soon got well, regretted the death of Shoecat, and sym- 
pathized with his wife and little bo}-, welcoming both to his hut and 
freely sharing his meat and buffalo robe with them. 

The following is a true copy of the by-laws and regulations of the 
"Yellow^ Stone Marauder Band.'" as committed to my hands by their 
dying leader : 

RESOLUTIONS AND BY T.AWS FOR THE GOVBRNMENT OF THE YEI.I.OW STONE 
MARAUDER BAND. 

Besolced, 1st. That this Band shall be known as the Yellow Stone 
Marauder Band of Montana Territory. 



34 LIFE AND ADVENTURES 

Resolved, 2d. That this Band, and wo the members thereof, knowing- 
that our organization is in strict violation of the laws of the United 
States, and well knowing that if apprehended we would be subjected to 
the severest penalties of the laws of said United States, we the members 
of this Band, numbering twenty-five, for our safety and protection, do 
hereby join hands and pledge our support to each other under all cir- 
cumstances. 

Besolved, 3d. That this Band shall have a President, Vice President. 
S'^cretary and Treasurer, to be elected by a majoritv of the Band. 

liesolved, 4th. That it shall be the duty of the President to preserve 
order and to see that no member shall become so intoxicated as to be 
boisterous on the plains, and most especially at the secret meetings of 
this Band. 

liesolved, 5th. That any member who becomes so intoxicated as to be 
boisterous at place of meeting, shall receive the penalty of one hundred 
lashes with a raw hide, which shall be provided for this jmrpose, said 
penalty to be executed by the President, Vice President and Secretary. 

Rtaolved, 6th. That any memoer who shall be guilty of divulging any 
of the secrets of this Band shall receive the penalty of death. 

lieNolved, 7th. That any member who shall be guilty o ; stealing from 
another shall receive the penalty of death, in the manner prescribed by 
the President. 

Besnlved, 8th. That the proceeds of all pillaging done by this 
Band shall be divided equally between the members. 

Resolved. 9th. That it shall be the duty of this Band to capture all 
horses and other property f ^om the Indians, especiallj'' from the Assin 
iboines, Black Feet, Rea, Grovan, and Maudan tribes. 

Resolved, 10th. That we shall be subject to the call of Sitting Bull, 
and make it a special duty to support him in all his undertakings as the 
great warrior of the Sioux nation. 

Resolved, 11th. That when on the war path, it shall be the duty of 
this Band to kill every human being, whether man or woman, friend or 
foe, with whom it comes in contact, so that our whereabouts and opera- 
tions may not be detected. 

Resolved, 12. That it shall be the especial duty of this Band to make 
every effort to capture all immigration trains passing through Dakota 
and Montana Territories, going East or west ; but in all cases to be ad- 
vised by Sitting Bull, the hero of the West. 



JOSEPH W. COOPER. S8 

Reso\vf.(h 13. 'Phat no iiiembor shall introduce an outsider into this 
Band, or advise any one without the consent of two-thirds of the niem- 
V)ers, and that no one shall be allowed to join this Band linloss ho has 
been on thp frontier five 3'^ears in succession. 

Resolced, 14. That we shall have and elect such officers as are 
specified in the fourth resolution of this Marauder Band. 

Resolved, 15th. That we, the members, have this day elected Pete 
Shoecat President and leader of this Band, T. Dugan Vice President, C. 
Larpenture Secretary, and R. 1). Lightfoot Treasurer. 

Resolced, 16. That we the members shall be subject to (he orders of 
llie officers of this Band, under the penalty of death. 

Resolved, 17. That the President shall read the resolutions and by- 
laws of this Marauder Band in the presence of each member. 

Resolved, 18th. That we the undersigned members having heard 
(he foregoing resolutions read, do hereby endorse the same. 



CHAPTER XII. 

RAMBLING .\MI1 IMTEMPKRANCp: A WARNING TO PARENTS. 

As stated in a previous chapter, I played my first game of cards in 
Pittsburg, Pa. Oh, I wish to God I had never seen a card ! Utterly 
demoralized by the vicissitudes of war, I went to the Western Plains 
knowing nothing of the customs and habits of the inhabitants Here 1 
was thrown into society more corrupting, if possible, than that which 1 
had left. The vice of gambling became more and more fascinating, 
until 1 became more and more enslaved to the habit of card playins. 
(Gambling was no longer looked upon as a degrading habit, but as an 
accomplishment, and I would almost sink my own soul to win what 1 
now considered an honest penny. 

Oh, how soon the teachings of pious parents can be forgotten; how 
soon the principles of honesty and integrity, which have been instilled 
into us in early life, can be crushed out by the fascinating yet degrading 
vices of the word ! When I look back to the days of early boyhood, 
and recall the pious teachings of my dear mother, who has long since 



36 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

passed awiiy, it makes the blood luii cold within m}^ veins to think of 
the dark deeds of the more recent past. How well do I remember, 
when but a prattling child, as I went to that loving mother with my 
childish complaints, did she lift her heart in silent prayer that her boy 
might live to be a good and useful man ! But when the first few steps 
were taken at card playmg, and after the bitter cup of intoxication had 
been indulged in to excess for but a little while,how soon were all these 
things forgotten. 

Young man. do you ever expect to be a imtii — a man in the true sense 
of the word? If so, let ont> whose ex'perience has cost him dearly advise 
you never to taki" the first drink ; never to play the first game of cards. 
Shun the wine cup and the gaming table as you would the clutches of a 
vicious monster. The first drink leads to the second, and so you be- 
come more and more inclined to give way to the evil propensities of 
human nature Soon you begin to thirst for strong drink, and in spite 
of all your good resolutions you become a confirmed drunkard. And 
drunkenness leads to gambling, the greatest of all evils. There will 
doubtless be some who will read this and think I am writing a theolog 
ical discourse. T wish to. God I was spiritually able to do so; but I am 
only giving my experience in brief, as a warning to others. 

Parents and guai'dians, I noAv appeal to you. Keep your boys at 
home. If they must go out at night, if it be only to see a friend, go 
with them, for that friend, with r.o evil intention, may lead your child 
astray. 



I'HAFTER XIII. 

THAT KIGHT WITH SITTING BULL — A LETTER FROM THE GALLANT LIEU- 
TENANT CUSICK WHAT HE THINKS OF THE AFFAIR THE SUPPOSED 

FATAL WOUND RECEIVED BY THE WRITER A VISIT TO THE OLD 

STAMPING GROUND. 

Xow, reader, my book is written, and to convince you that it is based 
upon facts, and that you have not been reading mere fiction, I will con- 
clude by presenting for your perusal the following inte.'esting letter 
from my old commander, Lieut. C. C. Cusick, than whom a truer man 
and a braver soldier does not live. It is due to him to say before laying 



JOSEPH W. COOPER S7 

this lelter hcfoiv my readers, liowevcn; that it was not writtoii for publi- 
cation. I had lost all trace of my old fii<'nd and comrade, and, witli the 
hope of finding liis whereabouts, addressed him a letter and forwarded 
it to Washinjiton. hi tliat letter 1 mentioned the fact that I was writin.ir 
for publication this little book of my life and adv<!nturcs among the 
Indians ; but, not knowing that the letter would ever reach him, or that 
he was even among the land ol the living, f did not even intimate tliat 
1 desired him to write me a letter which he would be willing should to 
before the public. As it will serve as a testimonial of my liaving ))een 
engaged on the frontiei-, as I have represented, howevei-, ! trust th<' now 
C*(pffa')i Cusick will pardon me for its introduction ; 

Fort Brady, Sai j.t Saint Mary, Michkjan, 

Fehniarij 8, 1879. 
Mv Dear Joskth W. ('i>opek : — 

Your kind favor was duly forwarded from Washington, 1). ("., ami 
received by me yesterday evening. I was very .much delighted to h( ;ir 
from you, and thank you sincerely for your kind enquiries 7-egarding my 
health, etc. Permit me to congratulate you for the literary enterpiise 
you 8peak of. I can assure you I will onh^ be too happj^ to endorse 
favorably the work you mention. If it concerns the battle we partici- 
pated in against "Sitting Bull ■ in August, 1868, I am sure you cannot 
say too much in regard to that terrible encounter. Just think of it. 
Fifteen brave United States soldiers against nearly 200 savages. Since 
that eventful affair I have often wondered how we ever escaped total 
annihilation. I have wondered still more as regards your extraordinary 
recovery from the supposed fatal wounds you received on that occasion. 
Left on the field among the savage foe, regarded as dead, yet living 
among the strong and brave to-day. Our experience is certainly more 
wonderful than the pen of fiction can ever narrate. 

I am now in the 22d regiment of infantry. Our regiment left Dakota 
Territorjf in 1874. It is now serving in western New York, and in cer- 
tain parts of Michigan. I am between Lakes Superior and Huron. [ 
have been serving here about 18 months. 

During the late Sioux war of 1876 and '77, seven companies w(,'re sent 
from our regiment, and participated in the operations against " Sitting 
Bull." One of these companies happened to be the one I now have the 
honor of commanding (Co. "F'"). Our comman<l went up the Missouri 
river, thence up the Yellowstone, and reported for sei'vice under Gen. 



38 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 

Terry. This was shortly after tlie death of General Custer. Teri'y'.s 
Indian camijaign was regarded as a failure, as " Sitting Bull " was never 
sighted after the destruction of the five companies of the Seventh Cav- 
alry under General Custer. After this campaign I, with my company, 
reported for duty to Gen. Nelson A. Miles of the Fifth infantry. This 
was in the fall of 1876. 1 served with him in all his battles against 
"Crazy Horse" and "Sitting Bull." 1 participated with Gen. Miles 
in the battles of " Wolf Mountain" and the "Rose Bud.' My company 
was relieved from duty with General Miles on the 18th of June, 1877, 
1 marched my company from the Yellowstone towards the Black Hills, 
find then changed the course, and marched into Fort A. Lincoln, oppo- 
site Bismarck on the Missouri, and then took the cars and went to Chi- 
cago, and became engaged in quelling the riots of that cHy on the 27th 
of 'Tuly, 1877. After that affair 1 took up my quiet station here. So 
you see I have had a vast amount of experience since you lost track of 
me. 

I was very much surprised to notice what changes Fort Buford had 
undergone. The post is rebuilt completely — frame buildings have taken 
the places of the rude adobe quarters. I went to old Fort Union, and 
also-visited our battle ground of August 20. 1868. It actually gave me 
the blues to see those old stamping grounds. I also visited the graves 
of the poor men who fell that day. They all have head stones marked: 

KILLED 

BY 

INDIANS 

August 20, 1868. 

Oar tombs are not there. A different fate awaits us. What can tliat 
be? Divination of futurity is wisely withheld from mortal man. To 
know our individual fate would make cowards of us all. Among officers 
whom you had knowledge of while at Fort Buford the following are out 
of our service : Col. Rankin, Capt. Thomas Little, Lieuts. Leonard and 
Hogan ; Lieut. Mitchel is in the Second U. S. Artillery. The different 
garrisons on the Missouri river are now occupied by the 1st, 11th and 
6th regiments of infantry, and the 7th United States Cavalry. I think 
our regiment will be ordered west early in the spring. I do not know 
what portion of the west our service will be re(]uired. T hope we will 
go to Texas or on the Union Pacific Railroad, with headquarters at Salt 
Lake City. I think that section of country is also desirable. 



JOSEPH W. COOPER. 39 

Can assiii'i' you I will always rejoice to learn of youi- succoss in life. 
\ f you (les=re me to couunend your book I will he happy to do so. 
f will anxiously await the receipt of your book. 
\'ery truly j'ours. 

C. C. CUSICK, 

1st Lieut. 22d Infantry. 



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BOOK BINDERY, 



7'he Largest and most Con/plefe Printing Estahlishuient in 
Southwest Georgia. Pamjihlet work and half-hinding a s-perialti/. 

DBAFT8, CHECKS, NOTES, liECElPTS, 
CONTRACTS, ETC., ETC.. 

PRINTED AND BOUND TO ORDER. 



